Four times since the turn of the century has a running back won NFL MVP: Marshall Faulk (2000), Shaun Alexander (2005), LaDainian Tomlinson (2006) and Adrian Peterson (2012). Those are the only non-quarterbacks to win it in the past 17 years.

The Rams have a chance to add to that list with one of the best season-long performances by a running back in recent memory. Todd Gurley has put together an incredible 2017 campaign and is not only the favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year but potentially MVP.

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With 1,817 yards from scrimmage, 17 touchdowns and the second-most receiving yards on the Rams, it’s easy to see why Gurley is among the top candidates to take home the hardware. He just doesn’t feel the same way.

Gurley was asked Thursday if he pays attention to all the hype surrounding his case for MVP, but he brushed it off by discrediting himself as a legitimate candidate.

“It’s cool to get the recognition, but it is what it is. Running backs don’t usually win the award unless you mess your leg up and rush for 2,000 yards the next year, you don’t really have a choice but to give it to a beast like that,” Gurley said. “So, I’m just going to keep playing hard and finish the season strong, honestly.”

(Photo by Otto Greule Jr /Getty Images)

Part of the reason Gurley’s name has become such a hot topic in recent weeks is the fact that two of the favorites for MVP, Carson Wentz and Antonio Brown, sustained significant injuries that will greatly hurt their chances to win the award. In Gurley’s eyes, missing a handful of games shouldn’t disqualify them from the running, though.

He believes both Wentz and Brown should be at the top of everyone’s lists despite missing a few games.

“I guess they talked about me because Carson got hurt and then ‘AB’ got hurt,” Gurley said. “But, I don’t really see how you can take a guy out of the MVP like ‘AB.’ Like, two games are not going to make a difference. You take Carson out and like what are three games going to do?”

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Gurley will undoubtedly finish ahead of both those players when it comes time to vote for NFL MVP, but not just because they’re injured. He’s in the midst of a great stretch, averaging 157.7 total yards per game in his last three contests. He’s also scored six touchdowns in that span, rushing for 322 yards, as well.

Still, Gurley doesn’t see himself having much of a chance.

“Somewhat, but not really. We’ll see.”

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